Chapter 41

The supper arrived, but instead of summoning Ysabel, a lavish spread of spread of food was delivered to Ysabel's room – roast meat glistening, blanched vegetables vibrant, herb soup hot and steaming, warm bread fragrant, and a cool fruit juice waiting. Yet, the opulence felt hollow.

The vast, beautiful room echoed with an unsettling quiet, the moonlit darkness pressing against the windowpanes like a suffocating weight. Memories of Sydren, of a simpler life, a life she now felt impossibly distant, flooded her mind. She should be grateful, she knew, for this unexpected comfort, yet it felt unreal, a dream from which she might wake at any moment. A persistent, nagging unease, a physical itch she couldn't scratch, clawed at her chest.

Her gaze drifted to the small pouch holding the remaining two canisters of charms. She wondered if it was wise to give them to Hector and Aleric, recalling Lilah and Elvin's reactions to their own. Their polite assurances felt brittle, masking a deeper unease that she can't point out. Ysabel couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

The day of departure dawned, the sky still inky black when Lilah's knock echoed through the quiet halls.

"We're ready to leave," She announced, her voice brisk.

"We'll be journeying Wesmos."

Ysabel followed Lilah downstaris, her heart is filled with undeniable excitement and apprehension.

Outside, the mansion yard bustled with activity. Carriages and carts, laden with supplies and rations for the long journey, stood ready. The Umbra Knights, their warhorses restless beneath them, stood in impeccable formation, silent and watchful.

Lilah explained the journey to Wesmos, a trek of several weeks, perhaps even a month.

"You'll ride with me,"

She said, her voice softening slightly.

"The magical stones, herbs – everything will be in my carriage. It might smell a bit strong especially if you're riding with it long. Keep the shutter window open for fresh air. If anything happens don't worry, the carriage is protected, and with these men with us, you'll be safe always."

Ysabel nodded, appreciating Lilah's ever-present concern. As they waited for Aleric and Elvin, the question gnawed at her: why was she included in this expedition? What possible role could she play in their dangerous undertaking?

The sound of boots on gravel announced their arrival. Aleric and Elvin emerged from the shadows of the mansion, Aleric's usual relaxed demeanor replaced by a steely authority. He surveyed the assembled company, his gaze sharp and assessing.

"Is everything prepared?"

His voice, resonant and commanding, cut through the morning stillness.

"Ready for your command, Sir Aleric!" Gren, responded, his voice booming across the yard.

Aleric nodded, then turned to Elvin.

"Elvin, the blessing."

Ysabel's eyes widened in surprise. Elvin, still young and seemingly inexperienced, was to invoke God's grace? Such a ritual typically required a priest or a member of the church, not a young man with a hint of doubt in his eyes.

"Again?"

Elvin muttered, a clear note of reluctance in his voice. He looked younger than his years, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a hesitant apprehension.

Aleric shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Who else? Nobody here is...holy enough." The word hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications.

Elvin sighed, a defeated sound. He removed his hooded cloak, revealing his youthful face, and raised his hands towards the grey dawn sky. His eyes closed, and a hush fell over the assembled group. His voice, though young, held a surprising solemnity.

"May the Lord be a shield around you, a wall of protection against all that threatens and harms. May His angels encamp around you, guarding you by night and by day. May His grace be your constant companion, keeping you safe and sound on your journey. May the Lord bless you throughout this journey ahead and back. By God, this I pray."

A long silence followed, broken only by the soft sounds of the wind and the restless shifting of the horses. The Umbra Knights stood rigidly still, their faces grim and serious. Even Aleric's usually impassive features held a trace of something akin to… reverence? Ysabel felt a shiver run down her spine. This was no ordinary journey, and she was inexplicably, inextricably bound to it.